PLEASE NOTE: These bulletins, published since 1997, are historical. The content is not updated.
Introduction
The King County local hazardous waste program is an intensive effort to reduce and properly manage hazardous waste through education, collection and technical assistance. In 1991 county residents and businesses dumped an estimated 25 pounds per person of hazardous waste in the trash, down the sewer, into storm drains or directly onto the ground. The wastes include pesticides, paints, motor oil, printing inks and other materials.
The local program is a cooperative effort among several agencies:
Their two main programs target Small Businesses (including King County agencies) and Household Hazardous Waste. Here is a summary of some aspects of their program involving small quantity generators (SQG's). Small quantity generators (SQGs) produce less than 220 pounds of hazardous waste each month. Program services help these businesses comply with regulations and reduce waste. If your business (or KC agency) is located in King County, please call the program at (206)263-3051 or visit their website for more information.
Business Services
Business Waste Line
The Business Waste Line answers questions from small businesses and agencies about hazardous waste. Staff also make referrals to other agencies and vendors and sends out print materials. The line may be used to report complaints and hazardous waste violations. Calls are anonymous if requested.
Technical help with waste reduction, recycling and treatment is provided directly to small businesses by the Local Hazardous Waste Management Program staff. The program promotes the exchange of information between those that develop new technologies and options and those that need them. Engineers and others conduct studies to determine whether certain waste materials are hazardous or not and which methods of treatment are most practical.
Four field teams work directly with small businesses to tailor hazardous waste management information to their particular needs:
Yellow book - Hazardous Waste Directory
This directory is designed to help business and other facilities that generate small quantities of hazardous waste. The directory is updated monthly by the 15th of each month.
This program recognizes businesses and agencies that properly manage and/or reduce hazardous waste. By doing so, it prompts customers to patronize businesses that are environmentally sound. Window decals with two, three, four or five stars are given to qualified SQGs. Other forms of recognition include ads, wall certificates and nominations for other awards.
Industrial Materials Exchange (IMEX)
IMEX is a free service to match businesses that produce wastes or surplus materials with businesses that need them. A bimonthly catalog lists wanted or available materials and participates in a national exchange network.
Qualified businesses and agencies can be reimbursed for costs of properly managing hazardous wastes. Vouchers cover 50% of the amount spent, up to a maximum of $500, for hauling, disposal, recycling or purchase of certain equipment.
Household Hazardous Waste Service
The hazardous waste program also addresses household hazardous waste. Please see their web-site or call (206) 263-3051 for more information.
Thanks to Annette Frahm, Dave Waddell and Ray Carveth for contributing to this bulletin.
Contact the Local Hazardous Waste Management Program In King County at (206)263-3051.
Yellow book - Hazardous Waste Directory
Business Waste Line: 206/296-3976
Shop visits: 206/263-3090
Industrial Materials Exchange (IMEX) catalog: (206)296-4899
Envirostars: (206) 296-3976
Hazardous Waste Library: (206) 263-3051
The Environmental Purchasing Program
The King County Environmental Purchasing Program assists County agencies in implementation of King County Executive Policy CON-7-1-2, which requires agencies to use recycled and other environmentally preferable products "wherever practicable."
The program assembles information about these products and makes it available to specific agency users who can evaluate them and attempt to develop applications in County projects.
These procurement bulletins contain information about the results of product evaluations and other accomplishments of County agencies. We hope this information will help you find ways to use recycled materials in the work of your agency and that you will contact us if we can help you with further information or if you have suggestions.
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Environmental Purchasing Menu | Bulletin List
Updated: June 25, 1998
King County
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